Showing posts with label health and wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health and wellness. Show all posts

Executive Constantine to co-chair National Association of Counties Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing

Monday, February 13, 2023

County Executive Dow Constantine
The National Association of Counties (NACo) announced a new Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing, bringing together 14 county leaders from across the country and co-chaired by King County Executive Dow Constantine. 

The group, unveiled at NACo’s Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. this week, is tasked with leading the development of policy and programmatic recommendations at the federal, state, and local levels to address systemic issues contributing to the ever-growing mental health crisis.

"From small rural counties to large metro regions, mental health is a critical issue in every community across our nation. It’s also an intersectional issue – if you care about homelessness, if you care about public safety, if you care about the well-being of families and the future of our children – you must invest in mental health," said Commission Co-Chair Executive Constantine. 
"From the unique perspective of counties, providing core services to every family and community in this nation, the commission will share what’s working and collaborate with those who are striving to develop a robust and nation-wide response to this crisis."

More information here



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County Council votes to send $1.25B Crisis Care Centers levy to voters

Saturday, February 4, 2023

King County Council
At their meeting on January 31, 2023, the King County Council voted to send a $1.25 billion behavioral health levy to voters for consideration on an April special election ballot.

The proposal, which would raise the funds through a property tax levy spread over nine years, would fund:
  • creation of five regional crisis care centers, 
  • the preservation and restoration of residential treatment beds, 
  • growth of the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and 
  • provide immediate services while centers are being constructed. 

In 2024, the levy will cost the owner of a median-valued home about $121.

With council approval, the proposal will now appear on the April 25, 2023 special election ballot.


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DOH, CDC encourage residents to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears

Thursday, February 2, 2023

OLYMPIA – Washington State’s Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a cluster of antibiotic-resistant infections that may be linked to EzriCare Artificial Tears.

The infections have been caused by a variant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that is commonly found in water and soil and can infect the eyes, lungs, and blood. 

Pseudomonas infections are most commonly seen in hospital settings, particularly among people with weakened immune systems.

Epidemiologists have identified 50 cases of Pseudomonas infections in 11 states since May 2022. The infections have caused hospitalizations, vision loss, and the death of one patient from a blood infection. One of the identified cases is from Washington state.

The public is urged to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears until further notice, and to contact their medical provider if they have concerns. Symptoms of an eye infection include pain, swelling, discharge, redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light and the feeling of a foreign object in the eye.

For more information about Pseudomonas, visit the CDC website.


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New Yoga Studio opening in Shoreline February 25, 2023

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Life Balance Yoga is a new studio which will open in Shoreline on February 25, 2023!

The studio will have both heated and non heated classes, and classes for all levels, whether you're a seasoned yogi, or want to try yoga for the first time.

They will have your staples such as Power Flow, Yin, and Slow Flow yoga, as well as some unique classes that can only be found at their studio. For example, their early morning Awake class is designed to wake you up gently with lighting that mimics the sunrise, coupled with citrus aromatherapy.

Ahhhhh that’s nice.

The studio name was inspired by their mission, to create a space where the community could come to balance the stresses of work and life. The intention of the studio is to cultivate not only physical health, but mental, emotional, and spiritual health as well.

Life Balance Yoga will have their Grand Opening on February 25th from 10am - 4pm, and the whole family is invited! 512 NE 165th, Shoreline WA 98155 in the Ridgecrest business district (by Drumlin and the Ridgecrest Pub)

Stop by to tour the studio, take a free 30 minute class, and meet the instructors. There will be snacks and drinks too!

Come experience a more balanced you with Shoreline’s new community yoga studio!



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Department of Health: Abortion rights in Washington state

Monday, January 23, 2023

Fifty years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the Roe v. Wade decision. Even before that, Washington state made abortion legal in 1970. 

Abortions are still legal and protected in Washington even with the reversal of Roe last year. 

For more information on how to access safe and legal abortions in Washington, visit the FAQ page of the Washington State Department of Health: http://bit.ly/3vZfPwr



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With $20 million donations, UW Medical school creates endowed deanship honoring retired dean, Dr. Paul G. Ramsey

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Part of the UW Medical Center campus
Photo courtesy UW
UW Medicine has announced the creation of a historic endowed deanship honoring retired dean, Dr. Paul G. Ramsey. 

The Paul G. Ramsey Endowed Deanship was established with leadership gifts from Steve and Connie Ballmer and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

Each donated $10 million to advance research discoveries, train medical leaders and further excellence and equity in healthcare. 

The $20 million in philanthropic support makes this the largest, publicly announced medical school deanship in the country. The first distributions from the endowment will be available starting June 30, 2023, and decisions about the deanship appointment will follow University Regental processes after funds are fully vested.

“We are deeply grateful to Steve and Connie Ballmer and the Gates family for their visionary investment in the University of Washington School of Medicine,” said University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce. “Through this endowment, future School of Medicine deans will have valuable resources to help improve health for everyone, here in our community and around the world.”

Dr. Ramsey retired this past summer after 25 years of distinguished service as CEO of UW Medicine and dean of the UW School of Medicine. During his tenure, he led the integration of the School’s clinical, research and training programs, a move that positioned UW Medicine to serve as a regional, national and global leader during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr. Ramsey has been an extraordinary leader, a trusted physician, a dedicated mentor, and a cherished friend. We are pleased to be able to honor Paul’s contributions to advancing health equity in our community in this way,” said Bill Gates.


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Medicare now covers all routinely recommended vaccines - including shingles

Friday, January 13, 2023

As of January 1, 2023 Medicare now completely covers all routinely recommended vaccines! 

This means that seniors with a medicare drug plan will have no copay for the vaccines they need, including ones to prevent shingles and pneumococcal diseases.

Thanks to President Biden, Congress and all of our policy partners for helping us ensure that no one goes without a vaccine because they can’t afford it.

Check with your local pharmacy to make an appointment or see if they accommodate walk-ins.



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ICHS’ Trailblazing Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner program open for applications

Saturday, January 7, 2023

2021-2022 Class of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners stand with program managers in front of the ICHS International District Medical and Dental Clinic. L-R: Manaye Utaile, Megan Wilbert ARNP Residency Director, Jenifer Reyes, Lingshan Chen, Thuy-Chau Le, Michelle Tran, Atalaya Ombati, and Scott Sato, ARNP Deputy Director.

International Community Health Services (ICHS) has opened online applications for the 2023-2024 ICHS Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Residency program. Candidates interested in community health care and passionate about shaping the landscape of health equity should apply on ICHS’ website before February 17, 2023.

Founded in 2014, the residency’s mission is to educate and retain well-rounded, highly autonomous, effective, and culturally-competent family nurse practitioners. The residency was the first to be accredited in the U.S.

The residency is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. A five-part curriculum, delivered from top-notch clinicians and educators includes: a ramp up schedule, continual education with weekly didactics, and exposure to clinical specialties.

Four residency positions are available. Residents commit to 13 months of employment at ICHS from September 11, 2023 through October 12, 2024.

“The residency was a very humbling experience. It's humbling because the more we learn from each other and from our preceptors, the more I feel like I should continue to learn… I realize how much of an impact I can make as a primary care provider in a community health center like ICHS.” — Jennifer Reyes, 2021-2022 cohort resident

“Both humbling and also rewarding”

It is a common refrain that not everything can be taught in a classroom. That is certainly true for clinicians providing holistic care to diverse populations. The ICHS residency’s strength is in the combination of intensive hands-on learning and a strong support system, which can provide invaluable professional development opportunities for residents.

“I would definitely do it again,” said Chau-Le, ARNP, 2021-2022 cohort resident. “You learn so much and you consistently feel supported, which is what you may not feel if you're brand new right off the bat, going into a field where your training might be a month or two before you're expected to be on your own. And so definitely for those who want to join a residency, I would recommend it, but realize it's not going to be easy.”

Residents care for patients with complex health challenges. ICHS delivers affordable, high-quality health care services, reaching populations of disadvantaged and underserved immigrant and refugee communities. However, dedicated preceptors, with decades of primary care experience, provide feedback, tools, and lessons for nursing practitioners to build a sustainable career.

A key component of ICHS' ARNP Residency is the continuity clinic. Nurse practitioner residents develop their own patient panel while having an ICHS provider exclusively assigned to them for precepting 

Jennifer Reyes, 2021-2022 cohort resident says, with a laugh, that the residency was more like diving into the deep end then dipping her toe into community health. “I also learned a lot of stuff that's not necessarily clinical, but how to be a better provider,” said Reyes.

Residents are taught how to manage the behind-the-scenes work of a provider such as developing better charting, diagnostics and lab management skills. Weekly specialty days rotations bring residents across many different specialty sites to experience patient referrals and learn more of each process.

“Being able to get a glimpse of other specialties and what they do once we do refer patients over [to them] was really insightful,” said Chau-Le.

“Our [ICHS] patients were from Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Afghanistan, China, they have not been able to see any providers or even get preventative care in their native country. On some occasions we are their first contact with a provider who can educate about preventative care. So what we say really does matter to them and many of them take it to heart. And that is both humbling and also rewarding. And at the same, it gave me a deep motivation to learn more so I can be an even better provider and educator.” — Jennifer Reyes, 2021-2022 cohort resident

The 13–month residency goes by quickly. At the end, ARNP residents often reflect that it was the friendships, mentorship, and teamwork that stuck out the most during their time.

“It's just that cohesive, just being really close with one another,” said Chau. “I've made friends for life both with my colleagues that were in the same residency as me, but also the mentors that we had throughout residency.”

ICHS has been long aware of the importance of a pipeline of qualified health professionals that reflect the communities in which it serves. Many of ICHS’ ARNP residency program participants opt to stay on at ICHS after graduation, engaging their talents in a vibrant community health center.

- - - - - -
Applications for ICHS’ 2023-2024 ARNP residency program are currently being accepted until February 17, 2023. Click here to apply and for more information.



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CDC National Health Survey is coming to King County

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public
Health Seattle-King county
The CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey will be surveying randomly selected households in King County beginning January 4, 2023. 

Begun in 1960, the NHANES is the most comprehensive survey of health and nutritional status of the U.S. population, with data informing national health policy, programs and care. 

Each year, NHANES selects different U.S. counties to survey, and this year King County will be surveyed. 

Randomly selected King County households will be mailed a letter inviting them to be a part of the study and are strongly encouraged to participate.

“I’m so pleased that our community was selected to participate in this year’s study,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health — Seattle - King County. 
“I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate to do so. The information provided by our residents will help us to better inform our policy makers and provide us with important information as we make decisions on how to best use our public health resources to meet the needs of our community.”

Since 1960, NHANES has had a prominent role in improving the health of all people living in the U.S. 

NHANES data address critical health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Public health officials, legislators, and physicians use this information to develop evidence-based health policies, direct and design health programs and services, and expand the health knowledge of the nation. NHANES data also help produce national references and standardized growth charts used by pediatricians across the country.

NHANES collects a broad range of data that affect the lives of everyone in the country, regardless of age, addressing everything from air quality to the low-fat and “light” foods found in grocery stores.

Study participant selection and study involvement

An NHANES team of health professionals, nutritionists, and health technicians is heading to King County and urges everyone who has been selected for the survey to participate.

Residents will have an invitation-only opportunity to participate in NHANES. Addresses are randomly sampled within the county. By selecting participants this way, when combining data from all counties visited this year, NHANES data can more accurately represent the U.S. population.

Benefits of participating in NHANES, if selected:
  • Participants receive a free and comprehensive health and nutrition evaluation.
  • Participants help develop and evolve national health programs and policies.
  • Participants receive a token of appreciation for their time.
All information collected in the survey is kept confidential and individual privacy is protected by law. NHANES is taking all precautions needed, as recommended by the CDC, to keep survey participants and staff safe by following guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, handwashing, and sanitation of the mobile examination center and all equipment.



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Blue Christmas service Wednesday at Saint Dunstan's

Monday, December 19, 2022

Saint Dunstan’s The Church that Feeds People is having a Blue Christmas service this Wednesday December 21st at 7pm. This service is a somber time to stop and allow yourself the time to feel some of the harder emotions that the Christmas season can bring up but are also more difficult to grapple with when surrounded by “holiday cheer”.

You can RSVP on our Eventbrite

722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133



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New fitness class at Senior Activity Center Essentrics/Classical Stretch

Saturday, December 17, 2022

New fitness class at the Senior Activity Center: Essentrics/Classical Stretch or Reverse Aging

Our new Essentrics Instructor, Natalia von Somoff, comes to us with a new and exciting fitness class offering at the senior center. In speaking with Natalia, she shared that her Mission is to help people keep their mobility, flexibility, and strength so they can do all the things they love and enjoy.

Natalia been a lifelong proponent of wellbeing. It began with Karate as a kid, then later adopting jogging as well as working with weights and in 2015, obtained her Personal Trainer Certification. At this time, she discovered that despite all of these fitness regimes, she was losing flexibility and wanted to get it back.

She had seen Classical Stretch / Essentrics on PBS with Miranda Esmonde-White, and thought it looked worthwhile. 

Her journey began when in June 2017, she decided to go to New York City and take a live level 1 instructor training course. In November 2017, she became a Certified Classical Stretch/Essentrics Instructor. She is the 6th person in Washington State to achieve this certification.

Natalia von Somoff
Natalia enjoys teaching students, seeing their progress as they regain greater range of motion, experience less pain and develop the ability to recover from surgeries quicker. 

When she is not teaching, you’ll find her helping people buy and sell homes since she is a real estate Managing Broker or she might be baking, gardening or making friends with a cat, dog, goat, or horse on a walk. 

Through it all, Natalia continues to develop her skills as a fitness instructor, with the sole goal of assisting us as we transition through the aging process.

  • Class offered: Tuesday and Saturday, 10:00am – 11:00am
  • Start Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 and Saturday, January 14, 2023 (participants welcome to join either day or both/week)
  • To register call the Senior Center at (206) 365-1536
  • Class Fee: $15/person per session Debit/Credit cards accepted



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Check in: Holidays can be lonely for seniors

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Whitney Carlson, geriatrics psychiatrist at UW Med
The holiday season is supposed to bring families together. But with seniors living alone at the highest rates ever and the pandemic still altering daily life, feelings of loneliness and loss are widespread.

Dr. Whitney Carlson, a geriatrics psychiatrist at UW Medicine, suggests using the holidays as a time to be mindful of those who might be alone.

Nearly three in 10 U.S. adults over age 60 live alone, a recent study indicates. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected older adults most severely, with people 65 and over accounting for 75% of all U.S. deaths attributed to the virus, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

“I think this particular time of year for seniors is difficult because many seniors live away from their families,” Carlson said. 
“They often can't gather, or the people they want to be with aren't here anymore. The key is just to take an interest, I think, because most people just feel invisible.”


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ICHS President and former CEO Teresita Batayola awarded the Arcora Foundation 2022 #OralHealthHero

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Teresita Batayola, ICHS President and former CEO, was awarded the 2022 #OralHealthHero award by Arcora Foundation!

This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to improve oral health and address oral health access disparities in their communities.
 
Under her leadership, ICHS expanded from two sites to 11, including the large, full service clinic in Shoreline. 

Six of the 11 sites provide oral health services, four of which are co-located and integrated with medical clinics, one is a school-based health center that also provides medical and behavioral health services, and one is a Mobile Dental Clinic that brings dental services right to the doorsteps of high schools in our region!
 
ICHS is proud to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate integrated dental services to immigrant and refugee communities.



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Naloxone Distribution by Bethel Lutheran Church of Shoreline

Monday, December 5, 2022

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Washington State's Department of Health implemented a standing order last year to dispense Naloxone, an antidote to an opioid-related overdose. 

If you or someone you know may be at risk of an opioid-related overdose and you would like to receive some Naloxone kits, please visit the church 17529 15th Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155 during office hours (Monday -Thursday 9:30am to 4:30pm). Or call the office at 206-362-4334 or email Krista at dce@bethel4all.org to set up an appointment.



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Living in Bereavement through the Christmas Season - free series at St. Dunstans for all who grieve

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Saturday, December 10, 2022 will be the first of our "Living in Bereavement through the Christmas Season" series. This is a three part series. The second session is December 31st, and the third is on January 7th.

It is led by Brother John Ryan, a Friar in the Order of Saint Francis, and is a support class for people struggling with loss over the holiday season. Brother John Ryan has an extensive background in counseling and supporting people through bereavement and times of change.

This is an ecumenical event and is open to all faiths as well as planned for all faiths, as well as people of no Faith tradition. The hope is to gather together people who are working through their grief to work with each other, led by Brother John. He has led many bereavement classes over the years.

The topic for the first in the series is "Expressions of bereavement and dangers of suppressing grief." The following topics are “You are not here, where are you?” and “There is a hole in my heart, will I be ok?” on December 31st.

The closing will be on January 7th, and will be dealing with “This Christmas and Holiday Season brought to mind memories that caused me joy, and memories that caused me pain. Let's tell each other, you are in a safe, safe space.”

For a link to sign up for Living in Bereavement please click here.

All sessions are free, open to all, from 10am to 12noon, in person at St. Dunstan's Church 722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133.



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Five northend cities form new Regional Crisis Response Agency

Thursday, December 1, 2022

The City Councils of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline this month each adopted a partner agreement to form a new Regional Crisis Response (RCR) Agency

The signed Interlocal (ILA) agreement merges the North Sound RADAR (Response Awareness, De-Escalation, and Referral) Navigator program with Kirkland’s Community Responder program to form a new entity to provide community mobile crisis response services to all five cities.
“Addressing the behavioral health needs of our collective communities requires dedication, commitment, and resources,” stated Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully. 
“I am proud of the work the Shoreline Police did in piloting the RADAR program and in our successful efforts to expand it to include other cities. Creating a regional agency is the next step in establishing a network of behavioral health support across north King County that will ensure better outcomes for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, the police that are often called to respond during a crisis, and the community.”

The RCR Agency will have 13 total staff, including ten Mental Health Professional Community Responders, which will enhance public health, safety, and emergency response services, including crisis response awareness, support, and resource referral for community members experiencing behavioral health issues across the five-city region.

Cities in the North Puget Sound region came together to find a coordinated solution for providing much-needed behavioral help resources to those in crisis,” said Lake Forest Park Deputy Mayor Thomas French. 
“This regional agency will help find the appropriate support in situations involving behavioral health challenges while reducing the burden on law enforcement as the principal responders. This collaboration to provide mental health support in the North Puget Sound region is a huge step forward for those in need.”
 
The new agency will be jointly governed and funded by the partner cities. Supplemental funding support will also come from King County’s Mental Illness Drug Dependency (MIDD) levy and other grants. The City of Kirkland will serve as the administrative host of the program. The initial term of the agreement is for four years and includes the option for neighboring jurisdictions to join after the first year of operation.

The new RCR Agency will begin formal operations at the end of the first quarter of 2023. In the meantime, existing RADAR and Community Responder staff will continue to respond to calls in their respective communities.



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UW Med: Young children are being hit hard by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and influenza

Friday, November 25, 2022

Photo courtesy UW Med
UW Med reports that our community currently has very high levels of viral respiratory disease, and young children are being hit hard by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and influenza. 

These viruses come every winter, but the surge is happening early this year and involving many more children than usual. 

As a result, primary care clinics, urgent care sites, emergency rooms and hospitals are all extremely busy.

We want to help you stay out of clinics or emergency rooms if you do not need to be there. But we also want to be sure you recognize when your child needs medical care.

What is RSV? 

RSV is one of the many viruses that cause respiratory illness ― illnesses of the nose, throat and lungs. For most children and adults, RSV causes a cold. Cold symptoms can usually be managed at home and generally last 7-10 days. 

Cold symptoms include:
  • Fever (temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher)
  • Cough (dry or wet sounding)
  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Fussiness in children and poor feeding
You do not need to have your child tested or see a doctor for cold symptoms. While there is no specific medicine for RSV, you can treat the symptoms if your child is uncomfortable:
  • Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat fever or pain, such as a sore throat.
  • Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your home. This can help ease congestion and coughing. Be sure to keep the humidifier clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds.
  • Drink fluids. Continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your infant as you would normally. For older children and adults, stay hydrated with water, warm fluids, such as soup, or ice pops to soothe a sore throat.
  • Feed infants smaller amounts and more frequently to allow them to catch their breath.
  • Keep your baby’s nose clear of mucous.
  • Try saline nasal drops. Non-prescription drops are a safe, effective way to ease congestion, even for young children. Follow instructions on the product.
  • Stay away from cigarette smoke. Secondhand smoke can aggravate symptoms.

Severe RSV: 
Some children experience RSV infections that are more severe. For example, very young babies, children born prematurely, and those with a chronic medical condition (such as a heart defect or asthma) are at increased risk of severe disease. But even healthy children can become sick when RSV moves down into the lungs to cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Children with severe RSV have cold symptoms but also signs of respiratory distress:
  • Fast breathing
  • Pauses in their breathing
  • Flaring of the nostrils and head bobbing with breathing
  • Rhythmic grunting during breathing
  • Belly breathing, tugging between the ribs and/or the lower neck
  • Wheezing
  • Blue coloration of lips, mouth or skin
If your child is having severe difficulty breathing, call 911.

When to Get Help
You know your child best. If you are concerned that this is more than a cold, please seek help. 

Call your child’s primary care provider or seek urgent care if your child:
  • Is less than 8 weeks old and has any fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Has a sustained fever over 104 degrees F, no matter their age.
  • Is lethargic or hard to arouse.
  • Has any signs of respiratory distress (listed above).
  • Has signs of dehydration (no tears, dark urine, very dry mouth).
  • Has RSV symptoms along with a chronic health condition, such as a heart defect or lung disease.

Staying Healthy
Even when RSV and influenza are moving through the community, we can help keep our family and children safe. See also Time To Increase Protection Against Surging Respiratory Viruses for advice from Public Health – Seattle - King County.



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Department of Health strongly urges individuals get vaccinated to prevent spread of flu

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

 

DOH Communities seeing rapid increase in flu activity across the U.S.

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) wants the public to know flu cases are rising quickly in Washington state and nationwide. Flu hospitalizations are at the highest rates seen in 10 years for this point in the year. In the last two weeks, DOH is reporting high cases of flu-like illnesses in Washington.

Flu illness can have serious health consequences, especially for people who are under five years old, age 65 or older, pregnant, immunocompromised, or have chronic health conditions.

In addition to the flu, other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19 and RSV, are combining to push our hospitals to emergency capacity. Help keep yourself and your community healthy by getting a flu vaccine and taking other measures to prevent illness.

“Our state’s pediatric healthcare system is overloaded with extremely high numbers of children with respiratory infections,” said Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, chief science officer for DOH. “Families urgently need to do everything they can to keep everyone healthy and avoid the need for healthcare, and flu vaccination is one of the most important prevention tools.”
Following the proper prevention and hygiene practices can halt the spread of respiratory illnesses. 

Washington State Department of Health recommends:
  • Get vaccinated. Vaccination is your best defense against flu and COVID-19.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when soap is not available, and hands are not visibly soiled.
  • Consider wearing a mask in crowded settings.
  • If you are sneezing or coughing, wear a mask or use the crook of your arm or a tissue to avoid getting germs onto your hands or spreading virus in the air.
  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
  • If you feel sick, stay home.
The most common strain so far is influenza A (H3N2). This strain typically causes more severe disease. All available flu vaccines provide protection against H3N2.

DOH strongly recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to be effective making it a key time to get vaccinated before people get together for the December holidays. If you get the flu when you are vaccinated, it’s typically milder and the vaccine can prevent serious complications including hospital care.

The flu vaccine is available at most pharmacies, health care providers’ offices, and clinics. State employees are eligible to receive SmartHealth points for receiving a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can be received on the same day as the updated COVID-19 updated booster and other vaccines.

Find out more at KnockOutFlu.org


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UW Med: For veterans, minor head injuries can have lasting effects

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Dr. Christine Mac Donald
Photo courtesy UW Med
A long-running UW Medicine study of U.S. military service members shows that many who sustained mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from combat-related explosions continue to feel adverse effects for years afterward.

“What we have found, unfortunately, is that a large proportion of them have continued symptoms, and not just specific symptoms, but things that evolve over time,” said Dr. Christine Mac Donald, the study’s lead investigator.

She is a professor and vice chair of research in neurological surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Mac Donald says the findings contrast much of the existing historical data on mild TBIs, which indicate that symptoms usually resolve in three to six months.

A mild TBI includes concussion caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head and results in the brain moving quickly back and forth. Common symptoms of a TBI are wide-ranging but can affect how a person feels, thinks, acts and sleeps. 

Read more about mild TBIs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mac Donald launched the study in 2008 while working in trauma surgery in Landstuhl, Germany. She led the effort to enroll over 500 then-active-duty U.S. service members who were based in Afghanistan or who had been evacuated to a medical center in Germany. Some had been diagnosed with a mild TBI while others had not suffered any head injury.

Enrollment continued through summer 2013 and evaluations of all participants have occurred in Seattle every one, five and 10 years since. Mac Donald says the ongoing 10-year follow-ups are delivering a surprising and concerning trend.

“At the 10-year wave, we are starting to see individuals present just generally sicker than their civilian counterparts,” she said. 
“They're more likely to have unhealthy conditions, or conditions of aging pop up before we typically see them: things like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension – outside of the brain.”

The well-being of veteran service members should be viewed as a major public health concern, she said. 

“It doesn't matter where you fall on the political spectrum. It behooves all of us to better understand how we can help these individuals have the best quality of life as their healthcare falls to all of us – not just for themselves and for their family, but for the community that they live in, and for us as a society.”


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How to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Monday, November 7, 2022

Amazon sells a variety of light therapy lamps
By Nick Norman, MSW, LICSW

Every year since moving to Seattle for graduate school, I have had to deal with seasonal depression that comes with the dark winter months. 

While not avoidable, knowing what I was dealing with and how to approach my daily routine has made all the difference.

Winter depression, formally known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is characterized by depression symptoms that have a clear onset and decline with the change in seasons. 

This particular form of depression has a much higher diagnosis rate in northern states as opposed to southern states, where the winters are much sunnier. Common symptoms include:

  • Decline in motivation
  • Fatigue or exhaustion
  • A loss of pleasure in activities you normally enjoy
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Cognitive issues: difficulty concentrating, mental “numbness” or “brain fog”
  • Social withdrawal
  • Overeating (due to craving high-carb foods)
  • Oversleeping

When it comes to this particular type of depression, a multi-pronged approach is usually most effective. It can take time to find the right combination, but here are a few key factors that can make the winter months easier:

Eat a balanced diet

During the winter it is tempting to resort to carbohydrate-heavy foods or treats filled with sugar. However, these can make seasonal depression worse. Keeping a regulated diet with ample veggies, lean protein, and a moderate amount of whole carbohydrates is best. Limit things like sugar and alcohol, which can worsen the symptoms of SAD.

Super Supplements locations
on Aurora, Kenmore,
Lynnwood, and online
There are also a few supplements that can be helpful
:
  • Vitamin D3 – Since SAD is connected to a lack of sunlight, supplementing with oral vitamin D3 is shown to help.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids – While northern states and counties have higher rates of SAD, Iceland has an unusually low diagnosis rate. What’s more, they are statistically one of the happiest countries in the world. It is believed that their diet, which includes a high consumption of fish (omega-3 fatty acids), is a major contributor to their low rates of winter depression. Adding fish oil supplements to your diet can give you the benefits of these omega-3s.
Try a therapy lamp

Since SAD is associated with a reduction of sunlight, there are a few kinds of therapeutic lamps that can be used to compensate. These are typically full spectrum lamps, meaning they project the full visible light spectrum, rather than just a portion of it like most light bulbs.

  • Standard SAD lamps – these lamps are very bright (at least 10,000 lux) and are meant to be used indirectly, and only for a limited amount of time each day. Always follow the instructions on any therapeutic lamps.
  • Sunrise simulators – these lamps operate like an alarm clock and turn on gradually to simulate a sunrise. By tapping into our natural tendency to wake up to the sun, they make it easier to manage the dark winter mornings.

Yoga at Tree House. The Senior Center has chair
and mat classes. There are local dance studios
Stay active and get outside

The increasing darkness can lead us to be less active and social, all of which can make seasonal depression worse. 

Make time to get out of the house and enjoy the natural light outdoors. Since declining motivation is a major symptom of seasonal depression, a reliable routine can also give you the structure you need to keep active and engaged.

  • Exercise – Our mental health is intricately connected to our bodies, and bodies need to move. Exercise is one of the fundamental habits that contribute to overall well being. During the winter, moving your body has a strong impact on reducing symptoms of seasonal depression.
  • Social activities – The winter can make people want to hibernate, and when seasonal depression is involved, self-isolation can be even easier. Be intentional about getting out and engaging with friends and family. Throughout your day, find moments to connect with another person, whether it’s a coworker or even the barista at the coffee shop.
Seek professional help

There are plenty of things you can do for yourself to manage symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but no one needs to be alone in that process. Mental health professionals can be a huge help in treating SAD.
  • Medication treatments – A psychiatric prescriber can do an evaluation for anxiety, depression, and more, and can determine whether a medication approach is merited. Some people find that seasonal use of antidepressants has a positive impact, especially when combined with therapy.
  • Therapy – Regular therapy with a qualified therapist can make a huge impact, both during the winter and long-term. Therapy helps us to reframe unhelpful thought patterns, identify and change self-sabotaging behavior, and work through underlying trauma. During the winter months, a good therapist is also a consistent and reliable support that helps us navigate the ups and downs.

Nick Norman, LICSW, is the Business Relationship Manager at Mindful Therapy Group, a diverse and collaborative network of licensed, independent mental health clinicians serving Washington and Oregon. There are local clinics in Mountlake Terrace, Northgate, Elliott Bay, and telehealth.



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